Things to do in Athens – Best activities, free activities and great deals
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I went to Athens in 2023 and found the city surprising, with its ruins scattered throughout the city center which contrasts with the graffiti on modern buildings, and especially with the Acropolis perched on its hill, visible from almost anywhere in the city.
It’s possible to visit on a reasonable budget. There are many things to do in Athens that are FREE, and several museums and sites offer free day passes. Athens can easily become an affordable destination if you plan your trip a little. Athens is very walkable, the most distant must-see places are a 20-minute walk away.
In this article, I’ll share the best things to do in Athens, FREE things to do in Athens, neighborhoods to explore, the best spots for sunset, foodie experiences, nightlife, events to watch out for, and most importantly, my best budget tips.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
– Find great flight deals: Kiwi.com or Skyscanner
– Best accommodations sites: Tripadvisor or Expedia
– Book tours here: Get Your Guide, Viator or Expedia
Combined Tickets in Athens
If you want to optimize your budget in Athens and visit several historical sites and/or museums, one of the smartest things to do in Athens is buying a combo pass. It’s more economical to buy combined tickets rather than individual tickets. In addition to saving you money, combined tickets also save you time with skip-the-line access.
Acropolis and 5 Archaeological Sites Pass: This is THE pass to get if you want to visit historical sites. It includes the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the School of Aristotle, and the Panathenaic Stadium. This pass is ideal for a first visit to Athens since it grants access to the must-see attractions. Plus, it includes 500MB of free mobile data to make your trip even more convenient.
⭐Budget tip: Save on this pass by buying it before June!
Athens City Pass: This is the MOST VALUED option if you want to visit the Acropolis and several museums. You choose the duration of your pass, from 2 to 5 days. You also have the option to add a hop-on hop-off bus for only $10 more. The hop-on hop-off bus allows you to save time and visit the city at your own pace in the comfort of a bus. This pass gives you access to over 15 attractions, including the Acropolis Museum, the Acropolis, the Herakleidon Museum, the Hellenic Motor Museum, the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, the Museum of Illusions, and the War Museum.
Don’t arrive in Athens without a clear plan, or you’ll end up paying too much. Take the time to figure out what you really want to do and see, and then look at which combined tickets best suit your interests.
Must-sees
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is easily one of the most iconic things to do in Athens since it’s one of the most important sites in Greece! It’s impressive to see these immense monuments up close, most of which date back to the 5th century BC and dominate the city. You’re walking through the religious and political heart of ancient Greece.
You’ll see several monuments in one place, including the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Erechtheion, with its remarkable columns shaped like women, and the Theatre of Dionysus, the first theater in human history.
Take advantage of the hill’s height for magnificent views of the city and its surroundings.
⭐Tips:
– Buy your ticket online to avoid the ticket line.
– Arrive at opening time or late in the day to avoid the crowds and the intense heat.
– Enter through the entrance on the side of the Theatre of Dionysus, 100 meters from the Akropolis metro station and the Acropolis Museum. It’s less crowded than the main entrance.
⭐Budget tips:
– To save money and skip the ticket line by going directly to the entrance, book a:
– Combined ticket with other historical sites
– Combined ticket with museums
– Access is FREE on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, and October 28.
👉 Visit the Acropolis with a guided tour to learn more about the histories of the monuments, the architectural details, and the connections between mythology, politics, and culture.
👉For a more complete experience, combine your visit to the Acropolis with the Acropolis Museum. After seeing the structures, you’ll view original artifacts and gain insight into ancient life.
The Agora
The Agora isn’t as spectacular as the Acropolis, but it’s still worth a visit. It was the heart of public life in ancient Athens. In the 6th century BC, citizens came to debate, vote, exchange goods, trade, and even attend trials. If you want to understand where and how democracy took shape, this is where it all began!
This site was rediscovered relatively recently. At the end of the 19th century, during the construction of the railway line between Athens and Piraeus, major remains were unearthed. To clear the entire Agora, approximately 400 modern buildings were demolished! Excavations continue to this day, so we only see a portion of what actually exists.
👉Visit both the Acropolis and the Agora with a guide to understand how political debates took place and how daily life revolved around these spaces.
👉 Combine the Ancient Agora with the Roman Agora with an audio guide. The two sites are close together, one is the heart of Greek democracy, and the other shows the Roman influence and the transformation of the city under another empire.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is probably the place you’ll pass through without really thinking about it, even though everything that makes Athens what it is is right there. You’ll go from a flea market to ruins and tavernas and restaurants with their terraces. At every street corner, you have a view of the Acropolis. Just strolling through the streets and alleyways is an activity in itself. You can’t miss Monastiraki Square, the Church of Pantanassa, Hadrian’s Library, the Agora, and the Roman Agora.
If you like shopping, go to the flea market on Sundays. You can find just about anything there and in the shops.
⭐Budget tip:
– Athens is very walkable. If you get a little hungry, come back to the Monastiraki district to eat. It’s one of the areas with the most affordable restaurants!
– Many products are the same from one shop to another, but with different prices. Don’t buy from the first place you see, take the time to compare.
Plaka
Plaka is the most charming neighborhood with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and flowering trees. You’ll almost feel like you’re on a greek island! Lose yourself in its streets and admire its beauty!
It’s one of the most touristy areas of the city, so it’s not the place to find the best value for money when it comes to food.
Psiri
A former working-class neighborhood with a history of crafts and industry, Psiri has been completely transformed into an artistic district. The old workshops and warehouses have become bars, cafes, galleries, and restaurants.
You’ll love strolling through its colorful streets, admiring the street art and uniquely decorated restaurants. In the evenings, the streets come alive.
👉Explore these three neighborhoods in the evening with a guide to learn their history, discover where locals eat and drink, and find the best spots worth checking out.
⭐Budget tip: Book the same week to save!
FREE things to do in Athens
Visiting the city doesn’t have to be expensive, because there are surprisingly many FREE things to do in Athens! However, these activities aren’t always advertised. It takes a little strategy to take advantage of them. I’ve put together a list of activities that are FREE ALL THE TIME and those that are FREE ON SPECIFIC DATES to help you plan and avoid paying for things that could have been FREE.
Free Activities in Athens
These FREE things to do in Athens aren’t dependent on the calendar or any special conditions, you can add them directly to your itinerary without a second thought!
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: This is a modern space with FREE cultural, sporting, educational, environmental, and recreational events. It’s the largest public Mediterranean garden in the world. There’s even a FREE SHUTTLE every day. It departs from Syntagma Square, serves the Syggrou-Fix metro station (Syggrou Avenue), and arrives on the south bank of the SNFCC canal (near the GNO building), and vice versa.
Benizelos Mansion: This is the oldest mansion in Athens still standing. The museum in this Ottoman-era house uses interactive displays to provide information about the monument and explain its historical context.
Loverdose-Ziller Museum: The museum houses the art collection of Dionysios Loverdos. You’ll find a collection of post-Byzantine religious art, including icons from the Cretan and Ionian schools, wood carvings, ancient manuscripts, miniatures, and works by 20th-century artists inspired by post-Byzantine painting.
Melina Cultural Center: This is a former hat factory transformed into a space dedicated to the art of Greek shadow puppetry, Karagiozis.
Museum of Traditional Pottery: Housed in an elegant 19th-century townhouse, the museum showcases the work of 19th- and 20th-century Greek potters and presents the contemporary history of ceramics in Greece. There is a reconstruction of a traditional potter’s workshop.
Syntagma Square: One of Athens’ most iconic and central locations, it’s a gathering place for political events, demonstrations, and celebrations. The changing of the guard of the Greek Presidential Guard in front of the Parliament building is FREE and takes place every hour. It’s a simple yet deeply rooted experience in the national culture.
FREE Activities on Specific Days
Several major sites offer FREE admission on certain dates. If you plan your visit to Athens around these dates, you’ll save a lot!
| Activities | March 6 | Mars 25 | April 28 | May 18 | Last weekend of September | October 28 | 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month (November to March) | Other dates |
| Acropolis | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Hadrien’s Library | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Diomidous Botanical Garden | Monday to Friday | |||||||
| Musée de l’Acropole | X | X | ||||||
| Musée archéologique national | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Benaki Museum | X | Access to the permanent exhibitions every Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight | ||||||
| Byzantine & Christian Museum | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| National Historical Museum | X | X | X | First Sunday of the month from November to February | ||||
| National Gallery | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Temple of Olympian Zeus | X | X | X | X | X |
FREE activities and discounts based on age and citizenship
Before buying your tickets in Athens, take two minutes to check if you’re eligible for any FREE admission or discounts.
EU citizens aged 25 or under: You can visit the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Byzantine and Christian Museum for FREE. Considering these are among the city’s most popular attractions, this can easily save you several tens of euros on your trip!
EU citizens aged 65 and over: The National Archaeological Museum offers a 50% discount between October 1st and May 31st. This is during the off-season, but it’s also a time when flights and accommodations are cheaper, there are far fewer crowds, and the temperature isn’t overwhelming.
⭐Always bring your passport or official ID to confirm your eligibility for FREE admission or discounts!
Gastronomy, market and street food
For me, discovering local food is an integral part of the trip. Greece is the kind of destination where it’s almost impossible to eat badly.
Greek cuisine is incredibly flavorful and packed with fresh ingredients. Between gyros, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad, tzatziki, moussaka, spanakopita, dolmades, feta saganaki, street-side koulouri, creamy Greek yogurt, and loukoumades dripping with honey, you’ll likely want to try everything!
The best part is that it’s possible to eat very well without breaking the bank!
Central Market
I went to the Central Market in the late afternoon, and the atmosphere was calm. But if you go in the morning, it’s seems to be lively and noisy, with vendors hawking their wares.
At the Central Market, often called Varvakios Agora, you can find just about anything! There’s meat, fish, seafood, spices, fruit, vegetables, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, and local products. The meat, fish, and seafood make the market quite smelly, but that’s part of the experience!
The small cafes in the market offer processed goods and traditional Greek cuisine.
If I go back to Athens, I’ll definitely return to the Central Market with this tour, which is the most affordable and highly rated. The guide takes you to the best stalls, you get to sample the products without buying in bulk, and you won’t miss out on any of the local specialties. In addition to the market, it takes you to the city’s historic spice street, home to some of the oldest food shops!
👉 Book the market food tour now!
⭐Budget tip: Around the market, in the Varvakios district, there are small tavernas and restaurants where you can eat simple Greek dishes, often much more affordable than in tourist areas.
Food tours in Athens
I’ve only recently started doing food tours. Honestly, it’s the best way to discover local cuisine! You get to taste several specialties without any hesitation, you understand what you’re eating, you discover places you probably would never have found on your own, and you avoid the tourist traps.
If I were to do this trip again, I would definitely book this highly-rated food tour. You get to taste more than 20 different dishes in a single tour. You explore different neighborhoods, the central market, local markets, gourmet shops, and family-run tavernas to sample souvlaki, koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings), olives, traditional beans, ouzo (Greek alcoholic beverage), wine, traditional pies, bougatsa (Greek cream pie), halva (semolina pudding), artisanal cheese, and more! The tour ends with a meze and wine in a traditional taverna. This seems like the perfect tour to discover Greek cuisine!
If you’re vegetarian, this tour offers a private experience where you’ll taste delicious vegetarian dishes in local restaurants and the Central Market, such as koulouri, bougatza, Greek coffee, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, olives, and more. The tour also ends with a Greek meze.
👉 Book the vegetarian food tour here!
Cooking class in Athens
I love taking cooking classes when I travel. I enjoy discovering the unique characteristics of cuisines from other countries, and it gives me so many ideas when I get home! Unfortunately, I didn’t take any in Athens. If I could go back in time, I would definitely take one of these two cooking classes, which are the most affordable and highly rated.
The market visit, cooking, and tasting package is interesting. It starts with a visit to the central market to buy fresh local ingredients and meet the vendors. Then, you put on your aprons and cook tzatziki sauce (made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic), dolmades (herb-infused rice and beef wrapped in vine leaves), spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), imam baildi (eggplant dish), and portokalopita (orange and cinnamon pie), following the chef’s instructions. At the end, you’ll enjoy the traditional dishes you’ve prepared, accompanied by a local organic wine, a glass of Greek digestif, and soft drinks.
👉 Book the cooking class here!
The other option is the rooftop garden cooking experience! While sipping a glass of wine, you’ll prepare tzatziki sauce, dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice, lemon, and herbs), a traditional Ladenia tart (flatbread topped with tomatoes, onions, oregano, and olive oil), a Greek salad with feta cheese, and moussaka (layers of eggplant and potatoes with ground beef and béchamel sauce). Afterward, you’ll enjoy your creations on the rooftop terrace with a breathtaking view of the city.
👉 Book the cooking class on a rooftop now!
⭐Budget tip: Save $20 by booking a week in advance!
Little Kook
I haven’t eaten at Little Kook, so I can’t give you my opinion on the food. I’ve included this café in the foodie section only because it’s an immersive café, decorated to an extreme degree both inside and out, with decorations that change seasonally, for example at Halloween and Christmas. Its alleyway, which serves as the café’s terrace, is completely transformed with these decorations. It’s very photogenic, but very popular and often crowded.
⭐Tip: To have time to admire the decorations and take photos without people in them, go before the café opens!
The Best Sunset Spots in Athens
Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill is where I loved watching the sunset. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic while admiring the city, the surrounding mountains, and even the sea in the distance when visibility is good, with the Acropolis right next to you! There aren’t any restaurants or grocery stores nearby, so bring your own picnic before heading to the hill.
⭐Tip:
– It’s a popular spot, so arrive early to get the best location!
– There aren’t any restaurants or grocery stores nearby, so bring your own picnic before heading to the hill.
Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, so you get the same perspective as from Philipappus Hill, but with a different view from its 150 meters higher. You can climb up on foot via the stairs or take the funicular (7 euros round trip).
At the top, there’s a small chapel and an amphitheater, adding an interesting dimension to the site.
⭐Tip: It’s a very popular spot at sunset, so the same logic applies as with Philopappus: Arrive early to get the best spot!
If your goal is to have the most spectacular view possible, Mount Lycabettus is the best choice. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, Philopappus Hill is a better option, and the Acropolis nearby is a plus!
Nighlife in Athens
You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy the nightlife. You can go from a FREE event with a local or international DJ to a pub crawl, or simply stroll through the neighborhoods at night without spending a penny.
FREE Events in Athens
Some events in Athens are FREE, such as events with local and international DJs, live shows, or outdoor electronic music events. These events aren’t very well-known, so you’ll need to search on social media:
- Needless organizes FREE events featuring Greek and international DJs.
- Street Outdoors organizes FREE outdoor events, sometimes during the day, transforming everyday locations into stages.
Do some research before your trip so you don’t miss out on these events!
Pub Crawls
If you’re looking for a more structured experience, pub crawls are a great option.
This pub crawl is the most affordable and highly rated. You’ll visit 4 to 5 bars and clubs with a group, enjoying drink deals, games, and challenges. It’s a good option if you want to easily meet people.
👉 Book this affordable pub crawl here!
Events in Athens
Athens has several events throughout the year, and they’re often FREE! Take the time to check if any events are happening during your stay, it could completely change your experience!
Festivals in Athens
April – Athens Digital Arts Festival: An event that blends digital art, interactive installations, virtual reality, and exhibitions in historic locations in the city center.
May – Panathenaea: A festival that combines technology, art, and startups with conferences during the day and social events in the evening at the foot of the Acropolis.
May-June – Technopolis Jazz Festival: The city’s oldest music event. You can see performances by international jazz groups for FREE.
June-July – Athens Photo Festival: This festival transforms the Benaki Museum into a huge photography exhibition space with artists from all over the world.
June-August – Athens Epidaurus Festival: This is one of the oldest and still active festivals in Europe. The shows take place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, directly beneath the Acropolis. You can see dance and music performances in a historical setting!
August – Full Moon Festival: Several archaeological sites and museums remain open at night for FREE. You can visit the Acropolis and other sites in a completely different atmosphere under the full moon.
Autumn – Art Athina: This is the premier visual arts event in Greece and one of the oldest art fairs in Europe. Art Athina offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary artistic creation, where Greek and international galleries present a wide variety of works, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.
December – AthensCon: The first major convention in Greece dedicated to the geek universe.
How to Find Events in Athens
You can optimize your stay by searching for events taking place while you are in Athens.
The most useful platforms:
All Events: Choose the event category that interests you and/or the date you’ll be in the city, and the site will list the available events.
⭐Budget tip: Select the “FREE” option in the “Price” section of the filter to only see FREE activities!
Athens24: You can search for events based on your interests, such as nightlife, concerts, exhibitions, festivals, sports, stand-up comedy, theater, and trade shows.
Eventbrite: You’ll find events of all kinds, such as food, nightlife, visual arts, and travel and outdoor activities. You can also refine your search by specifying the date you’ll be in Athens, even the neighborhood and the event format (e.g., party, retreat, conference).
⭐Budget tip: Check the “FREE” box in the “Paid” section of the filter to only see FREE activities!
Facebook: Change your location to Athens and enter your travel dates.
⭐Budget tip: Type “FREE” in the events search bar to find FREE activities!
This Is Athens: You’ll find all kinds of events, including food, exhibitions, family activities, music, nightlife, sports, outdoor activities, performing arts, sustainability events, and theater. You can even search by neighborhood.
⭐Budget tip: Check the “FREE event” box in the filter to get a list of FREE events!
Where to Stay in Athens on a Budget
Check out my full guide on Where to Stay in Athens on a Budget (Coming Soon!!)
Cheapest Way to Get Around Athens
Athens is honestly a super easy city to visit without a car. Between the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, and especially walking, you can get almost everywhere for very little money. And since many must-see attractions are located in the city center, there’s a good chance you’ll spend a good part of your trip just walking.
Athens’ public transport network is managed by OASA.
If you’re staying in the city center, the metro will probably be your best option. It serves most of the must-see places like the Acropolis, Monastiraki, and Plaka. Some stations even have ancient artifacts on display inside. You have to validate your ticket both when entering and exiting the station.
If you plan to use buses or trolleybuses, download the OASA Telematics app to see real-time schedules and routes.
Consult the transport network map here.
Tickets and Passes
If you plan to use public transport frequently, some passes are much more economical than buying individual tickets:
- 24-hour day ticket – €4.10
- 3-day tourist ticket – €22 (includes the trip to the airport)
- 5-day ticket – €8.20
If you only plan to use public transport occasionally, get an ATH.ENA Ticket. A single ticket costs €1.20, and there are also discounted ticket packages available. You can download the ATH.ENA CARD app to top up your anonymous or personalized card (not yet available on iPhone).
Those eligible for reduced fares, such as students, young people aged 7 to 18, and travelers aged 65 and over, must use a personalized ATH.ENA card. You can buy tickets directly in metro stations, at ticket counters or automatic machines. On some routes, contactless payment with a phone or bank card also works.
Athens is a city that surprises you far more than you might expect. Yes, there’s the Acropolis and the major historical sites, but what truly makes the city interesting is the blend of antiquity and modern life. You can go from a 2,500-year-old temple to a graffiti-covered alleyway, then end the evening in a local taverna or on a hill overlooking the city at sunset.
Athens has many experiences that cost almost nothing, such as getting lost in Plaka, watching the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square, exploring the Central Market, attending a FREE event, or admiring the illuminated Acropolis at night.
If you plan your trip well, you can see a lot without spending too much. Combination tickets, FREE days at museums and sites, FREE things to do, and well-chosen guided tours can make a big difference to both your experience and your budget.
Athens isn’t just a historical city to tick off a list. It’s a vibrant city, chaotic at times, but fascinating when you take the time to explore it.
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